Thai Cabinet Approves NHRC Proposal to Tighten E-Cigarette Regulation

Oct.28

Thailand’s Cabinet approved a National Human Rights Commission proposal to tighten e-cigarette regulation. The Health Ministry was instructed to raise public awareness on vaping risks and amend the 2017 Tobacco Control Act to cover all tobacco products, including vapes and new forms, while enforcing WHO FCTC Article 5.3 to prevent industry interference.

Key Highlights

Cabinet approved NHRC proposal to strengthen vape control.
Health Ministry to raise awareness on vaping harms.
2017 Tobacco Control Act to be revised to cover vapes and new tobacco.
Measures to regulate production, import, sales, and advertising.
Government to enforce WHO FCTC Article 5.3 against industry interference.

2Firsts, October 28, 2025 — According to the Thai Government Public Relations Department, the Cabinet has approved a proposal from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to strengthen regulation of e-cigarettes, amid rising use among children and youth.

Deputy government spokesperson Airin Phanrit said vaping has rapidly increased in Thailand, especially among young people, causing serious nicotine addiction and health concerns for families and communities.

The Cabinet instructed the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and relevant agencies to intensify public information campaigns about the dangers of vaping, ensuring accurate education for young people — a key target of vape distributors.

Officials were directed to accelerate amendments to the 2017 Tobacco Control Act to include e-cigarettes and new tobacco products, covering production, importation, sales, and advertising, both online and offline.

The Cabinet emphasized implementing WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Article 5.3 to prevent tobacco industry interference and promoting a Prime Minister’s Office regulation to strengthen compliance.

Image source: Thailand Government News Department

References:

[1] ครม.เห็นชอบข้อเสนอ “กสม.” คุมเข้มบุหรี่ไฟฟ้า เร่งแก้ พ.ร.บ.ควบคุมยาสูบให้ครอบคลุมทุกรูปแบบ

Also Read:

[1] Thai Police Raid Three Vape Warehouses in Chiang Mai, Seize 36,555 Items Worth US$200,000

[2] PMI Compares Smoke-Free Policies in Three Countries: Japan and New Zealand Lead Tobacco Control, While Thailand’s Ban Stalls Harm Reduction

[3] Thai Police Seize 48,000 Illegal E-Cigarettes Worth About $630,000

[4] Thailand's Lopburi province seized about $100,000 worth of e-cigarettes and arrested one suspect

[5] Thailand's Senate and House of Representatives have different stances on e-cigarettes: the Senate advocates a ban on sales, while the House of Representatives proposes legalization and regulation

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